Screening process for Syrian refugees

During the Obama administration and prior to the executive order signed on January 27, 2017, Syrian refugees were subject to the most stringent screening process of any refugee population eligible for U.S. resettlement.

Over a series of almost 2 years, applicants were reviewed by multiple U.S. security agencies, interviewed and re-interviewed, screened and vetted repeatedly until no security concerns remained. Only then were they eligible for entry into the U.S.

All the steps are outlined in the Syrian Refugee Screening Process infographic below.